Paris, April 8: A leading international press freedom organisation has accused Turkey of using digital censorship to target journalists in exile, describing the practice as an extension of long-standing efforts to suppress independent reporting.
In a statement issued from Paris, Reporters Without Borders said that cyber tools are increasingly being deployed to restrict the online presence of journalists who have already fled the country. The group urged Turkish authorities to end what it termed an “oppressive policy” that undermines press freedom.
The organisation reported that at least five journalists were subjected to online censorship in 2025, with their social media accounts restricted within Turkey. It added that four of them are also facing potential prison sentences in cases it described as unjust, with some legal proceedings extending for more than a decade.
Erol Onderoglu, RSF’s representative in Turkey, said journalists living in exile are simultaneously dealing with ongoing legal cases while facing targeted efforts to limit their digital reach. He noted that allegations related to national security are frequently invoked to justify such actions, particularly against content shared online.
RSF stated that the measures form part of a broader pattern of pressure on journalists under the government led by Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The organisation said this pattern includes systematic intimidation that now extends beyond the country’s borders, affecting media professionals operating from abroad.
The report identified several journalists who were targeted during the recent phase of digital censorship. These include Can Dundar, founder of the news platform Ozguruz; Metin Cihan; Amberin Zaman; Erk Acarer; and Hayko Bagdat.
According to RSF, the journalists have been targeted for reporting on issues such as alleged arms transfers to groups in Syria, maritime trade developments linked to Israel during the Gaza conflict, and criticism of domestic political and economic policies. The organisation said these activities fall within the scope of legitimate journalistic work.
The group warned that restricting access to such reporting deprives the public in Turkey of reliable and independent information. It also called for an end to actions that it said aim to discredit media professionals and exclude them from the country’s online information space.
RSF further noted that the designation of certain journalists as adversaries by authorities has contributed to increased targeting, particularly through digital platforms. The organisation maintained that these actions reflect a sustained attempt to control narratives and limit dissenting voices.
The statement urged authorities to reverse the trend of censorship and ensure that journalists, including those in exile, can operate without interference. It emphasised that safeguarding press freedom remains critical to maintaining access to credible information and upholding democratic principles.
